Our therapists
J. Brian Thompson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #113680
Certified Group Therapist
Co-Founder of IRL Therapy
Works with Individuals. Couples. Groups.
Brian is a light-hearted, somatic therapist who isn't afraid of, nor unfamiliar with the sometimes scary and uncomfortable feelings our life's journey can bring. Brian has a background in dance, yoga, stand up comedy and basketball. He has studied group process in a variety of contexts for the past two decades.
Troy Piwowarski
Licensed Psychologist #28839
Certified Group Therapist
Co-Founder of IRL Therapy
Works with Individuals. Groups.
Troy is a seasoned depth psychologist with a practice in Berkeley, CA. He served as an instructor at the Existential-Humanistic Institute for 10 years and continues to train therapists through consultation and supervision. He has advanced training in trauma and is a Certified Group Therapist. Beyond his passion for group work, Troy is also a visual artist, avid hiker, and loves a good sweaty ping-pong match.
Thomas Kim
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #119264
Works with individuals. Groups.
Tom is a relational therapist, Bay Area native, and a Faculty member with the Psychotherapy Institute’s Group Therapy Training Program (TPI). His path to caring about feelings started with a heavy distrust of them. Individual and group therapy showed him something new, and he has since been hooked. He is passionate about being in nature, singing, and cooking and sharing delicious meals.
Josh Freund
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #137655
Supervised by Troy Piwowarski, PsyD, PSY28839
Works with Individuals. Groups.
Josh is an Existential Humanistic therapist passionate about the human experience. His greatest gift is a natural ability to make those around him, including his clients, feel comfortable being their authentic selves. He is also a documentary filmmaker, a bass player, and dance floor enthusiast.
Joanna Calabrese
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #141694
Administrative Assistant for IRL Therapy
Works with Individuals. Couples.
Joanna helps individuals and couples overcome painful habits and patterns in order to move into lives of greater joy and fulfillment. She is a lover of the natural world, fitness, dance, and music- all of which inform her work.